Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
Required Self-Screen
Employees, students, and contractors coming to campus will be required to complete a self-screen for symptoms related to COVID-19 and acknowledge safety guidance at www.com.edu/selfscreen.
Spring 2021 plan
Download the COVID-19 Reopening Guide (Updated: 12-03-2020)
College of the Mainland administration continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and take the necessary actions to ensure that we provide a safe and successful learning experience for students during this challenging time. In light of the rising number of cases in the state, the college has made the decision to move all instruction possible to an online format for the Fall 2020 semester.
A limited number of skills-based, hands-on courses may require on-campus instruction for completion. In any circumstance where on-campus presence is needed, the college will practice all appropriate social distancing and sanitization measures. In addition, any person on campus will be required to wear a mask or face covering. As a reminder, individuals who are experiencing any signs or symptoms of illness, are asked to stay home as a measure to prevent the spread of the virus.
In the interest of the health and safety of students, faculty and staff, please note the following changes related to campus operations during the fall semester:
- The library, tutoring center and computer labs will remain open to students with reduced staffing, limited hours and limited capacity.
- The gymnasium and conference center will be closed until further notice.
- Most testing center services will be available online. Only limited testing center services, such as those needed for the Police Academy and Fire Academy, will be offered in-person.
- The December 2020 graduation ceremony will be held virtually for our Spring, Summer and Fall 2020 graduates. More graduation information will be forthcoming.
Fall classes begin August 24. Students who have questions regarding registration, can contact their academic advisor for assistance. For a full list of all advisors or instructions on registering online, visit www.com.edu/student-services/academic-advising. New students can find the steps to enrollment online at www.com.edu/admissions/apply.
College of the Mainland continues to closely monitor the global COVID-19 outbreak. We will continue to keep our community informed as developments occur.
COVID-19 Information
COVID-19 Awareness Training
This training is required of anyone coming onto campus.
Protect Yourself: COVID-19 Safety
A few simple steps that you take now can greatly reduce the risk of spreading germs, including the virus that causes COVID-19:
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds multiple times a day.
- Avoid close contact. Stay at least 6 feet apart (2 arms’ lengths) from others.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a face cover.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Monitor your health.
This guidance is summarized in this one page guide from CDC.
Links
Links to Official COVID-19 Guidance
- Galveston County Health District
- Texas Department of State Health Services
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Links to Surveillance Reporting
- Galveston County Health District (Local)
- Texas Department of State Health Services (State)
- Johns Hopkins University (U.S. and International)
Additional Links to Official News Sources
COVID-19 FAQs
- What is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
- Have there been cases of COVID-19 in the U.S.?
- Yes. The first case of COVID-19 in the United States was reported on January 21, 2020. The current count of cases of COVID-19 in the United States is available on CDC’s webpage available here. Additionally, Johns Hopkins CSSE is tracking the global spread.
- What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
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Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of
- fever
- cough
- shortness of breath
- How does COVID-19 spread?
- The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but now it seems to be spreading from person to person. It’s important to note that person-to-person spread can happen on a continuum. Some diseases are highly contagious (like measles), while other diseases are less so. At this time, it’s unclear how easily or sustainably the virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading between people. It is spread via respiratory droplets. Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses on the CDC’s transmission page.
- Is there a vaccine?
- There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19.
- Is there a treatment?
- There is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms.
- What should I do if I'm sick?
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CDC provide clear guidance on steps you can take to care for yourself and help protect others in your home and community. See If You Are Sick or Caring for Someone for details. In general you should:
- Stay home except to get medical care
- Separate yourself from other people
- Monitor your symptoms
- Call ahead before visiting your doctor
- Where can I get tested for COVID-19? Will COM be providing testing?
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COM will not be providing testing. Most healthcare providers can provide testing for COVID-19 at this time. Additionally, both local and state agencies are providing low or no cost testing to the public.
- Galveston County Health District maintains information about testing
Texas Department of State Health Services maintains this map and list of testing locations.